Former MLB pitcher Brian Matusz passed away on Tuesday. No cause of death has been announced. He was a month shy of his 38th birthday.
Matusz was a first-round draft pick of the Baltimore Orioles in 2008 (and fourth overall in the nation) following a distinguished collegiate career at the University of San Diego.
He would reach the majors in 2009. The following year, Matusz would finish 5th in AL Rookie of the Year balloting after going 10-12 with a 4.30 ERA. But after his success in 2010, Matusz struggled in 2011 regressing to a ghastly 1-11 record with a 10.69 ERA. Matusz continued to struggle in 2012 when the Orioles decided to convert him into a reliever.
As a lefty relief specialist, Matusz enjoyed considerable success against the likes of future Hall of Famer David Ortiz. Big Papi went 4 for 29 against Matusz striking out 13 times.
Early in the 2016 season, the O's traded Matusz to the Atlanta Braves but he would be released shortly thereafter. Matusz hooked on with the Chicago Cubs and made one start with them. It turned out to be his last appearance in a big-league uniform. Nevertheless, he was granted a World Series ring by the Cubs.
In 2017, Matusz pitched in the Arizona Diamondbacks organization. By 2019, he had stints in the Mexican League and an independent ball. In 8 big league seasons, Matusz made 280 appearances (69 starts) for a won loss record of 27-41 with a 4.92 ERA. He struck out 462 batters in 528.2 innings pitched against 204 walks.
Given Matusz's age, one cannot help but wonder what happened to him. Was it an accident? Was he ill? Or, heaven forbid, did he take his own life? Of course, Matusz's family has every right to keep that reason to themselves. Nevertheless, it is one thing to live to the age of 89 as was the case with former MLB pitcher Bob Veale. It is another when one lives to the age of 37 only to die suddenly and without warning.
Whatever the circumstances of his passing, may he R.I.P.
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